The Pilates Method And Its Relationship To Physical And Mental Awareness: A Phenomenological Study

This is a phenomenological study based on a daily practice of the Pilates method. The Pilates method, originally known as Contrology, was created by Joseph H. Pilates in the 1920s. The research question, “Will a daily practice of the Pilates method and journaling before and after each daily practice increase my awareness of my physical and mental body?” To record my experiences with the Pilates method, I journaled before and after each daily practice. I also kept track of my mindfulness using the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale, which showed a gradual increase throughout the process. The analysis of my journal led to four main themes, a decrease in lower back pain, an increase in body awareness that, in turn, led to a change in body image, an increase mindfulness and an increase in maintaining a present state of mind.